Triple anti-irritant composition

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to a composition comprising two or more anti-irritants, each having at least about 7.2% oxygen content. In a separate embodiment, the composition may be defined to include a skin conditioning agent, a skin protectant agent, and an anti-irritant agent, each having an oxygen content of at least about 7.2%. The invention further comprises methods of treating and preventing skin conditions by applying the composition to the skin, and then optionally washing the skin.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a stable composition which includes twoor more anti-irritants which each contain at least about 7.2% oxygencontent. In a separate embodiment, the composition of the invention maybe described as including a skin conditioning agent, a skin protectantagent and an anti-irritant agent, each of which contains at least about7.2% oxygen content. The compositions of the present invention can beused alone or in conjunction with other skin treatment agents orpharmaceutically active ingredients. The present invention also relatesto a method of treating and/or preventing various skin conditions and isespecially useful for individuals with sensitive skin.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A large population of people suffer from various inflammatory skinconditions including acne, rosacea, atopic dermatitis, variousseborrheas, eczema, psoriasis, various mite infestations, variousscabies infestations, other inflammatory skin conditions, and theclinical symptoms thereof, just to name a few examples. These skindisorders are accompanied by increased irritation and may also cause anincrease in the presence of microorganisms. In this specification,irritation is defined as a condition of redness, itching, burning, painand/or discomfort of the skin, and may include inflammation, soreness,or irritability of the skin. These clinical symptoms can be painful,bothersome, and have a negative effect on the quality of life of thepatient. Thus, treatment is often necessary. Each skin condition mayaffect a different layer or layers of the skin. For example, mild acneinvolves inflammation of the upper part of the pilosebaceous folliclewhile mite infestation involves inflammation which may be due to theexcretions of mites in one or more of the stratum corneum, epidermaltissue, and the pilosebaceous follicle. When treating these conditions,it is important for the appropriate agents to reach the appropriatelayer of skin in order for the treatment to be effective. A skintreatment composition that can reach various layers of the skin, therebyeffectively treating skin problems, is needed.

Another problem associated with various skin disorders is the negativeside effects associated with the pharmaceutically active ingredients.Treatment with pharmaceutically active ingredients may aggravate andinflame the skin causing dryness, flaking, cracking and peeling. Theseside effects are especially problematic in individuals with sensitiveskin. These negative side effects may have an effect on patientcompliance. Individuals who suffer severe side effects may fail tofollow the prescribed treatment schedule or may even discontinuetreatment altogether. Thus, a composition is needed to help treat andlessen the effects associated with pharmaceutically active ingredients.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a combination of two or more,preferably three or more, anti-irritants, each having at least about7.2% oxygen content. This composition is hereinafter referred to asEmbodiment A.

Oxygen content is defined as the ratio of (the molecular weight ofoxygen atoms available for van der Waals associations) to (the molecularweight of the compound as a whole). Where an ingredient is a mixture ofmore than one compound, the oxygen content is calculated on the basis ofactive compounds in the mixture (i.e., the ratio of (the molecularweight of oxygen atoms available for van der Waals associations in theactive compounds) to (the molecular weight of the active compounds)).For example, the oxygen content of aloe vera gel is based on the amountof oxygen in acetylated mannose (acemannan), its active compound.Without limitation, oxygens in alcohols, hydroxyl groups, aldehydicgroups, oxime groups, ester groups, and some keto and carboxyl groupshave available electrons in their outer shell that can be shared withother atoms. We refer to these molecules as electron rich oxygenmolecules. Oxygens in epoxy groups, ether groups, and some substitutedcarboxyl, amide and ester groups, without limitation, have less orlittle of this ability as will be recognized by one of ordinary skill inthe art. Van der Waals associations allow the electron rich oxygenmolecules to associate with electron poor atoms and molecules (such ashydrogen, amide, and other groups). This can produce enhancedpenetration in some cases and it can also produce enhanced binding attherapeutic sites.

The present invention requires both hydrophilic and lipophilic groupswhich provide the required hydrophilicity and lipophilicity that areneeded to treat various inflammatory skin conditions. A range of oxygencontent may be suitable for the present invention provided that thecompound possesses both hydrophilic and lipophilic properties whichenable the compound to reach various tissue layers. Aliphatic andbenzeneoid structures, for example, without limitation, tend to be morelipophilic while polar oxygen containing chemical groups, such as,without limitation, hydroxyl, keto, oxime and ester groups, tend to bemore hydrophilic. The hydrophilicity of these groups is due to theability of the oxygen atoms to form van der Waals associations withwater molecules.

Preferably, the anti-irritants of the present invention are used as skintreatment agents. A skin treatment agent is defined as an agent that hasa dermatological, cosmetic, or pharmaceutical effect on the skin.Anti-irritants are well known in the art. One of ordinary skill in theart would understand, appreciate and recognize agents that areconsidered to be anti-irritants. Preferred anti-irritants include butare not limited to aloe vera gel, alpha bisabolol, allantoin, sorbitol,urea, lactic acid and salts, glucose derivatives, zinc acetate, zinccarbonate, zinc oxide, potassium gluconate, dimethicone, glycerin,petrolatum, lanolin, peramides, uric acid and salts, N-acetyl cysteine,and hydrocortisone.

One embodiment of the invention includes aloe vera gel, allantoin, andalpha bisabolol. Aloe vera gel, allantoin and alpha-bisabolol vary intheir oxygen content. Aloe vera gel has an oxygen content of greaterthan about 50%, compared to about 30.4% for allantoin, and about 7.2%for alpha-bisabolol.

Aloe vera gel is obtained from the leaves of Aloe barbadensis. It has amoisturizing and revitalizing effect. Aloe vera penetrates the skinthereby providing moisture directly to the tissues. It also acts tomoisturize the skin by forming a protective barrier on the skin whichprevents the loss of moisture through evaporation. Aloe vera gel is alsoknown to have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects and to enhancewound healing. The gel consists of a mixture of several types ofpolysaccharides including mannan, glucomannan, an acidic galactan, anarabinan and/or a glucogalactomannan. It is believed, without beinglimited to this belief, that the active chemical substance in aloe is apolymer of acetylated mannose monomers. The amount of aloe vera used ina product varies depending on its intended use as would be recognized byone of ordinary skill in the art.

In prior art embodiments, a product that remains in contact with theskin can have aloe vera concentrations up to 10% and products thatremain in contact with the skin for very short periods of time maycontain greater than 60% aloe vera. However, according to the presentinvention, about 0.05% to about 5.0% aloe vera gel may be used.Preferably, about 0.1% to about 1.0% aloe vera gel is used. Morepreferably, about 0.1% to about 0.5% aloe vera gel is used. Mostpreferably, about 0.1% aloe vera gel is used. It will be apparent to oneof ordinary skill in the art that any form of aloe may be used in thepresent invention if suitable for topical use. Unless otherwisespecified, all percentages listed in this specification are weightpercentages.

Allantoin acts to soften keratin and is used as a skin protectant agentand in this way as an anti-irritant. The most common use of allantoin isfor the prevention and treatment of dry and chapped skin and lips.According to the present invention, about 0.05% to about 5.0% allantoinmay be used. Preferably, the present invention includes about 0.1% toabout 1.0% allantoin. Most preferably, the invention includes about 0.1%allantoin.

Alpha-bisabolol is known for its anti-irritant effects. Alpha-bisabololis available in both natural and synthetic forms. Both forms may be usedin the present invention. The active form of alpha-bisabolol is the (−)isomer. The natural form is derived from the oils of the tropical shrubcandeia and from the oils of the chamomile plant. These natural oils canbe used to prepare about 95% or greater pure (−) alpha-bisabolol. Thesynthetic form, however, contains about 42% of the active isomer. Thus,while either form may be used, the natural form is preferred for use inthe present invention. Up to about 2% or higher of synthetic or naturalalpha-bisabolol may be used in the present invention. In certainembodiments, up to about 2% of the natural form of alpha-bisabolol,preferably about 0.1% to about 0.5%, more preferably about 0.1% to about0.25%, and most preferably about 0. 1% is used.

Without being limited thereto, it is believed that the presence of bothhydrophilic (or polar oxygen-bearing) chemical groups and lipophilicchemical groups in each component of the present invention isresponsible for facilitating the anti-irritant and other skin treatmenteffects provided by the present invention. Without limitation, it isbelieved that the lipophilic and hydrophilic properties of theanti-irritants of the present invention enable the components to reachthe desired tissue layer and thereby effectively treat dermatologicalproblems such as, but not limited to, acne, rosacea, atopic dermatitis,various seborrheas, eczema, psoriasis, various mite infestations,various scabies infestations, other inflammatory skin conditions, andclinical symptoms thereof. The present invention may also be useful inenhancing the absorption of active ingredients into various layers ofthe skin.

A separate embodiment comprises at least one skin conditioning agent, atleast one skin protectant agent, and at least one anti-irritant agent,all of which have at least about 7.2% oxygen content. This compositionis hereinafter referred to as Embodiment B. A skin conditioning agentmeans an agent used to enhance the appearance of dry or damaged skin andwhich adheres to the skin to reduce flaking and restore suppleness. Skinconditioning agents are well known in the art. One of ordinary skill inthe art would understand, appreciate and recognize agents that areconsidered to be skin conditioning agents. An extensive list of skinconditioning agents can be found in the International CosmeticIngredient Dictionary and Handbook published by the Cosmetic, Toiletry,and Fragrance Association, Inc., under the listing “Skin-ConditioningAgents,” (herein incorporated by reference). Preferred skin conditioningagents include, but are not limited to, aloe vera gel, fatty alcohols,esters, amides, glycols, selective alcohols, polymers, and the like.

A skin protectant agent is an agent which protects injured or exposedskin or mucous membrane surfaces from harmful or annoying stimuli andincludes, but is not limited to, allantoin, calamine, cocoa butter,dimethicone, glycerin, kaolin, petrolatum, shark liver oil, silicates,silicas, protectant clays, zinc acetate, zinc carbonate, and zinc oxide.Skin protectant agent are well known in the art. One of ordinary skillin the art would understand, appreciate and recognize agents that areconsidered to be skin protectant agents. An extensive list of skinprotectant agents can be found in the International Cosmetic IngredientDictionary and Handbook published by the Cosmetic, Toiletry, andFragrance Association, Inc., under the listing “Skin Protectants,”(herein incorporated by reference).

An anti-irritant agent is an agent used to reduce skin irritation andinflammation and includes but is not limited to alpha-bisabolol.Anti-irritant agents are well known in the art. One of ordinary skill inthe art would understand, appreciate and recognize agents that areconsidered to be anti-irritant agents. Again, it is believed, withoutbeing limited to the mechanism, that the presence of both hydrophilicand lipophilic groups in the skin conditioning agent, skin protectantagent and anti-irritant agent provides the hydrophilicity andlipophilicity that are needed to reach various tissue layers, therebyeffectively treating dermatological problems.

The present invention, including but not limited to Embodiments A or B,may also be useful in enhancing or facilitating the absorption of activeingredients into various layers of the skin.

In addition, the invention relates to a method of treating andpreventing skin irritation by applying the present compositionsdescribed in the specification including but not limited to Embodiment Aor Embodiment B to the skin. Treating is defined to include theminimization, reduction or lessening of skin irritation. Prevention isdefined to include the complete or partial avoidance of skin irritation.Preferably, Embodiment A or Embodiment B, without being limited thereto,may be used to treat or prevent skin inflammation, promote skin healing,control of the growth of microorganisms on the skin, and treat orprevent skin discomfort or pain. In a separate embodiment, the methodincludes applying a composition containing aloe vera gel, allantoin, andalpha-bisabolol to the skin surface. The skin disorders that can betreated or prevented by use of the compositions described in thespecification, for example, without limitation, Embodiment A andEmbodiment B, include but are not limited to acne, rosacea, atopicdermatitis, various seborrheas, eczema, psoriasis, various miteinfestations, various scabies infestations, other inflammatory skinconditions, and clinical symptoms thereof.

Another embodiment of the invention relates to a method of treating andpreventing skin irritation by washing the skin with the compositionsdescribed in the specification, for example, without limitation,Embodiment A and Embodiment B. In a separate embodiment, the methodincludes washing the skin with a composition containing aloe vera gel,allantoin, and alpha-bisabolol.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS

In the present invention, two or more anti-irritants, preferably threeor more, each having at least about 7.2% oxygen content, are combined totreat and prevent skin irritation. More specifically, the presentinvention involves a composition containing aloe vera gel, allantoin,and alpha-bisabolol. This novel combination acts to treat skinconditions and also functions in combination with other skin treatmentagents to lessen the side effects associated with those other skintreatment agents.

In a separate embodiment, the composition may be defined to include atleast one skin conditioning agent, at least one skin protectant agent,and at least one anti-irritant agent, each agent having at least 7.2%oxygen content. In a preferred embodiment, the skin conditioning agentis aloe vera gel, the skin protectant agent is allantoin, and theanti-irritant agent is alpha-bisabolol. These components have oxygencontents ranging from about 7.2% to greater than about 50%.

In certain embodiments, a composition comprising two or more, preferablythree or more, anti-irritants, each having at least about 7.2% oxygencontent, may be combined with other ingredients as would be recognizedby one of ordinary skill in the art, such as, without limitation,solvents, viscosity adjuster compositions, cleansers, propellants,emollients, emulsifiers, moisturizers, odor modifiers, preservatives,fragrances, vehicles, pharmaceutical active ingredients, immunomodulatoror immunosuppressant agents, antiparasitic agents, keratinizationmodulators, depigmenting agents, antihistamines, antimicrobial agents,antifungal agents, anti-inflammatory agents, analgesics, andantioxidants.

Antimicrobial agents may include any antimicrobial agents useful indermatological compositions. Antimicrobial agents include, withoutlimitation, benzoyl peroxide, povidone iodine, hexachlorphene,chlorhexidine, mupirocin, gentimycin, neomycin, bacitracin, polymixin,erythromycin, clindamycin, metronidazole, clarithromycin, silversulfadiazine, dapsone, zinc pyrithione, cephalosporin, thymol, mafenideacetate, nitrofurazone, generators of nitric oxide benzyl alcohol,sulfamethoxazole, sulfasalazine, sulfasoxazole, acetylsulfasoxazole andcombinations thereof. Antimicrobial agents are well known in the art.One of ordinary skill in the art would understand, appreciate andrecognize agents that are considered to be antimicrobial agents. Anextensive list of antimicrobial agents can be found in the InternationalCosmetic Ingredient Dictionary and Handbook published by the Cosmetic,Toiletry, and Fragrance Association, Inc., under the listing“Antimicrobial Agents,” (herein incorporated by reference).

Antifungal agents may include any antifungal agents useful indermatological compositions. Examples of antifungal agents include,without limitation, nystatin, ciclopirox and ciclopirox olamine,griseofulvin, itraconazole, fluconazole, ketoconazole, terbinafine,econazole, benzyl alcohol, undecylenic acid and salts thereof, benzylbenzoate and combinations thereof. Antifungal agents are well known inthe art. One of ordinary skill in the art would understand, appreciateand recognize agents that are considered to be antifungal agents. Anextensive list of antifungal agents can be found in the InternationalCosmetic Ingredient Dictionary and Handbook published by the Cosmetic,Toiletry, and Fragrance Association, Inc., under the listing “AntifungalAgents,” (herein incorporated by reference).

Antiparasitic agents may include any antiparasitic agents useful indermatological compositions. Antiparasitic agents include, withoutlimitation, malathion, pediculosides, scabicides, ivermectin,permethrin, pyrethrin, carbamyl, imiquimod, thiabendazol, andcombinations thereof. Antiparasitic agents are well known in the art.One of ordinary skill in the art would understand, appreciate andrecognize agents that are considered to be antiparasitic agents.

Keratinization modulators may include any keratinization modulatorsuseful in dermatological compositions. Keratinization modulatorsinclude, without limitation, retinol, retinoic acid, retinaldehyde,retinal, retinyl esters, tazarotene and other retinoids, alpha and betahydroxy acids salicylic acid, resorcinol, retinal esters andcombinations thereof. Keratinization modulators are well known in theart. One of ordinary skill in the art would understand, appreciate andrecognize agents that are considered to be keratinization modulators.

In addition, anti-inflammatory agents and/or immunomodulators orimmunosuppressants may be added as part of the invention to enhancetheir anti-irritant effect. Suitable anti-inflammatory agents mayinclude any anti-inflammatory agents useful in dermatologicalcompositions. Suitable anti-inflammatory agents include, withoutlimitation, aldometasone, betamethasone, esters of betamethasone,desonide, clobetasole propionate, clocortolone pivilate, triamciniloneacetonide, mometosone furoate, prednicarbate, fluocinonide, fluocinoloneacetonide, hydrocortisone and combinations thereof. Anti-inflammatoryagents are well known in the art. One of ordinary skill in the art wouldunderstand, appreciate and recognize agents that are considered to beanti-inflammatory agents.

Suitable immunomodulators or immunosuppressants may include anyimmunomodulators or immunosuppressants useful in dermatologicalcompositions. Suitable immunomodulators or immunosuppressants include,without limitation, cyldlosporine, imiquimod, flurouracil, podophilox,podophyllin, and combinations thereof. Preferred immunomodulators orimmunosuppressants consist of cylclosporine, imiquimod, and flurouracil.Immunomodulators and immunosuppressants are well known in the art. Oneof ordinary skill in the art would understand, appreciate and recognizeagents that are considered to be immunomodulators or immunosuppressants.

In other embodiments, a composition comprising aloe vera gel, allantoin,and alpha-bisabolol may be combined with other ingredients as would berecognized by one of ordinary skill in the art, such as, withoutlimitation, solvents, viscosity adjuster compositions, cleansers,propellants, emollients, emulsifiers, moisturizers, antioxidants, odormodifiers, preservatives, fragrances, vehicles, pharmaceutically activeingredients, immunomodulator or immunosuppressant agents, antiparasiticagents, keratinization modulators, depigmenting agents, antihistamines,antimicrobial agents, antifungal agents, anti-inflammatory agents,analgesics, and antioxidants.

In certain embodiments, a composition comprising one or more skinconditioning agents, one or more skin protectant agents, and one or moreanti-irritant agents, all having an oxygen content of at least about7.2%, may be combined with other ingredients as would be recognized byone of ordinary skill in the art, such as, without limitation, solvents,viscosity adjuster compositions, cleansers, propellants, emollients,emulsifiers, moisturizers, antioxidants, odor modifiers, preservatives,fragrances, vehicles, pharmaceutical active ingredients, immunomodulatoror immunosuppressant agents, antiparasitic agents, keratinizationmodulators, depigmenting agents, antihistamines, antimicrobial agents,antifungal agents, anti-inflammatory agents, analgesics, andantioxidants.

The following table sets forth an embodiment of the present invention:

TABLE 1 Ingredient % w/w* Aloe Vera Gel Decolorized, 1X 0.10% Allantoin0.10% Alpha-bisabolol Natural 0.10% *% w/w is percent of the totalcomposition.

In one embodiment, the present invention relates to the novelcombination of at least two of the three ingredients described above inTable 1 and preferably all three ingredients. Each possesses a qualitybeneficial to the treatment and/or prevention of various skinconditions. The combination of at least two of the three ingredientsacts to treat and/or prevent a variety of clinical symptoms and can beused to treat and/or prevent one or multiple skin conditions. It will beobvious to one of skill in the art that other ingredients may be addedwithout departing from the spirit of the invention. For example,solvents, viscosity adjuster compositions, cleansers, propellants,emollients, emulsifiers, moisturizers, antioxidants, odor modifiers,preservatives, fragrances, vehicles, pharmaceutically activeingredients, immunomodulator or immunosuppressant agents, antiparasiticagents, keratinization modulators, depigmenting agents, antihistamines,antimicrobial agents, antifungal agents, anti-inflammatory agents,analgesics, antioxidants and other components that do not interfere withthe stated functions of the above-mentioned ingredients may be addedwithin the scope of the present invention.

For example, another embodiment of the present invention is set forthbelow:

TABLE 2 Ingredient % w/w Sodium Sulfacetamide 11.24 Sulfur 5.00 SodiumMethyl Oleyltaurate (Tauranol MS) 9.15 Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate(Tauranol I-78C) 6.50 Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate (and) 4.50 SodiumLauryl Sulfoacetate (Stepan-Mild LSB) Disodium Oleamido MEASulfosuccinate 3.85 (Mackanate OM) Glycerine 2.00 Sorbitan Monooleate NF(Crill 4 NF) 2.00 Glyceryl Stearate and PEG-100 Stearate 2.00 (Arlacel165) Stearyl Alcohol NF (Crodacol S-95 NF) 1.50 Propylene Glycol (and)PEG-55 Propylene 1.35 Glycol Oleate (Antil 141 Liquid) Cetyl Alcohol NF(Crodacol C-95 NF) 1.00 Disodium EDTA 0.20 Methylparaben NF 0.15 PEG-150Pentaerythrityl Tetrastearate 0.15 (Crothix) Butylated Hydroxytoluene NF(BHT) 0.15 Sodium Thiosulfate 0.15 Aloe Vera Gel Decolorized, 1X 0.10Allantoin 0.10 Alpha-bisabolol Natural 0.10 Fragrance 0.10 PropylparabenNF 0.05 Purified Water 48.66

Embodiment A, B, and other embodiments of the present invention may beused to treat and/or prevent a variety of clinical symptoms and can beused to treat and/or prevent multiple skin conditions. In particular,the embodiments may be used to treat or prevent skin inflammation,promote skin healing, control of the growth of microorganisms on theskin, and treat or prevent skin discomfort or pain. More particularly,the present invention can be used to treat or prevent acne, rosacea,atopic dermatitis, various seborrheas, eczema, psoriasis, various miteinfestations, various scabies infestations, other inflammatory skinconditions, and clinical symptoms thereof.

In order to be effective, the anti-irritants found in the presentinvention must reach the appropriate layer of skin. Without beinglimited to the mechanism, it is believed that these ingredients areuseful in treating a variety of skin conditions due to the presence ofboth hydrophilic and lipophilic groups in their chemical structures.

For example, mild acne involves inflammation of the upper part of thepilosebaceous follicle, known as the infundibulum, which is lipophilic.Severe acne, on the other hand, also involves the presence ofinflammatory sebum in the dermis which is primarily hydrophilic. Rosaceamay involve inflammation in the hydrophilic stratum corneum andepidermal tissue and in the lipophilic pilosebaceous infundibulum. Thus,the ability of the skin treatment agents to reach both the lipophilicand hydrophilic layers of the skin is essential for effective preventionand treatment and in reducing clinical symptoms.

Another embodiment containing aloe vera gel, allantoin, andalpha-bisabolol demonstrates the range of hydrophilic and lipophilicgroups that are present. More than half of the molecular weight of aloevera gel is attributed to the oxygen content, compared to 30.4% oxygencontent for allantoin and 7.2% oxygen content for alpha-bisabolol. Thus,this combination of ingredients provides both the hydrophilic andlipophilic groups that are needed to treat inflammatory problems thatare present in both hydrophilic and lipophilic layers of the skin, suchas acne and rosacea. In addition, the present invention may also be usedto treat one or more skin conditions simultaneously. It is believed,without being limited to the mechanism, that the ability of theingredients to reach both hydrophilic and lipophilic tissues allows aphysician to treat a patient with more than one disorder with onecomposition. This may increase patient compliance and help to reducepatient costs.

Another aspect of the present invention includes adding pharmaceuticallyactive ingredients. The present invention can be used to treat andprevent the side effects associated with the pharmaceutically activeingredients. Common side effects include but are not limited to drying,scaling, irritation, erythema, itching, burning, and sensitizationreactions. The invention including one or more pharmaceutically activeingredients is especially useful for patients with sensitive skin wherethe side effects may have a deleterious effect on patient compliance.

For example, the present invention can include, without limitation,sulfur, sodium sulfacetamide, antimicrobial agents, antifungal agents,antiparasitic agents, antiacne agents, anti-rosacea agents, agents fortreating and preventing various eczemas and inflammations,anti-psoriasis agents, and keratinization modulators.

Another embodiment of the present invention is directed to a method oftreating and preventing skin irritation by applying to the skin aneffective amount of one of the compositions described in thisspecification. Preferably, Embodiment A, Embodiment B, or anotherembodiment may be used to treat or prevent skin inflammation, promoteskin healing, control of the growth of microorganisms on the skin, andtreat or prevent skin discomfort or pain. In one embodiment, EmbodimentA, Embodiment B, or another embodiment of the composition will beapplied to the skin and will remain on the skin for an extended periodof time.

In another embodiment of the invention, the skin surface is washed withan effective amount of Embodiment A, Embodiment B, or anotherembodiment. The composition will only remain in contact with the skinfor various short periods of time and will then be washed away from theskin surface. For example, without limitation, Embodiment A, EmbodimentB, or another embodiment of the composition may remain on the skin up toabout thirty seconds or preferably from about thirty seconds to aboutthirty minutes. Depending on the type of skin condition treated and theseverity of the condition, one of ordinary skill in the art willappreciate the benefits of short contact therapy for certain disorders,and specific active ingredients. Also, the frequency of applicationand/or washing will be apparent to one of skill in the art.

It is to be understood that while the invention has been described inconjunction with the detailed description thereof, that the foregoingdescription is intended to illustrate and not limit the scope of theinvention, which is defined by the scope of the appended claims. Otheraspects, advantages, and modifications are evident from a review of thefollowing claims.

1. A skin treatment composition consisting essentially of sulfur, sodiumsulfacetamide, a first anti-irritant, which is alpha-bisabolol, a secondanti-irritant, which is allantoin, and a third anti-irritant which isaloe vera gel, wherein each anti-irritant has at least about 7.2% oxygencontent.
 2. The composition of claim 1 wherein the alpha-bisabolol ispresent in an amount from about 0.1% to about 2.0%.
 3. The compositionof claim 2 wherein the alpha-bisabolol is present in an amount fromabout 0.1% to about 0.5%.
 4. The composition of claim 3 wherein thealpha-bisabolol is present in an amount from about 0.1% to about 0.25%.5. The composition of claim 1 wherein the second anti-irritant has atleast about 30.4% oxygen content.
 6. The composition of claim 1 whereinthe allantoin is present in an amount from about 0.05% to about 5.0%. 7.The composition of claim 6 wherein the allantoin is present in an amountfrom about 0.1% to about 1.0%.
 8. The composition of claim 1 wherein thethird anti-irritant has at least about 50% oxygen content.
 9. Thecomposition of claim 1 wherein the aloe vera gel is present in an amountfrom about 0.05% to about 5.0%.
 10. The composition of claim 9 whereinthe aloe vera gel is present in an amount from about 0.1% to about 1.0%.11. The composition of claim 10 wherein the aloe vera gel is present inan amount from about 0.1% to about 0.5%.
 12. The composition of claim 1further comprising one or more pharmaceutical active ingredients. 13.The composition of claim 1 wherein the composition comprises a formselected from the group consisting of a gel, cream, lotion, foam,cleanser, emulsion, solution, suspension, salve, and ointment.
 14. Askin treatment composition consisting essentially of sulfur, sodiumsulfacetamide, a first anti-irritant, which is a alpha-bisabolol, asecond anti-irritant, which is allantoin, and a third anti-irritantwhich is aloe vera gel, wherein each anti-irritant has at least about7.2% oxygen content, and wherein each anti-irritant possesses bothhydrophilic and lipophilic properties which enable the anti-irritants toreach one or more layers of the skin.